Crohn's disease is an example of an auto-immune condition in which the immune system attacks otherwise healthy cells in the intestines. Crohn's can cause severe pain, diarrhea and can damage the intestinal walls, which allows bacteria to grow in abscesses and fistulas. Most treatments for Crohn's are aimed at either reducing the inflammation that causes the disease or by treating the dangerous complications of Crohn's.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
As the Mayo Clinic explains, one way of treating Crohn's disease is the use of medications that block the body's inflammatory response. Sulfasalazine and mesalamine are two different anti-inflammatory medications that can be taken (either orally or in suppository form) to treat Crohn's. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed. Corticosteroids are potent blockers of inflammation but can cause a number of side effects, such as osteoporosis, a puffy face and a weakened immune system that's susceptible to infections.
Immunosuppressors
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America notes that Crohn's disease can also be treated using medications that directly target the immune system (instead of inflammation). These treatments are used for patients who are unable to effectively control their disease with corticosteroids. Examples of these medications include azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine. These two drugs can be taken orally but can take three to six months to have their full effect. Other immunomodulators, including cyclosporine A and tacrolimus, can be given intravenously for patients having severe Crohn's problems while the other medications have their effect. Methotrexate is another injectable immunosuppressor that can be used for patients who are not responding to the other medications.
Antibiotics
The Mayo Clinic says antibiotics can also be used to treat some of the complications of Crohn's. Antibiotics can be used to remove bacteria in the intestines, which helps abscesses and fistulas (caused by Crohn's) to heal. By reducing the body's bacteria, these drugs can also keep the immune system from being as active. Examples of antibiotics that are recommended for Crohn's patients are metronidazole and ciproflaxacin.
Surgery
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says surgery is another treatment for Crohn's. Surgery doesn't cure Crohn's but can be necessary to treat the abscesses, fistulas and intestinal blockages that Crohn's can cause. The most common type of surgery for Crohn's involves the removal of the parts of the intestine that have been badly damaged by the disease, followed by stitching together the remaining parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
